[1] Devouring Time, blunt thou the lion's paws,
[2] And make the earth devour her own sweet brood;
[3] Pluck the keen teeth from the fierce tiger's jaws,
[4] And burn the long-lived phoenix in her blood;
[5] Make glad and sorry seasons as thou fleets,
[6] And do whate'er thou wilt, swift-footed Time,
[7] To the wide world and all her fading sweets;
[8] But I forbid thee one most heinous crime:
[9] O, carve not with thy hours my love's fair brow,
[10] Nor draw no lines there with thine antique pen;
[11] Him in thy course untainted do allow
[12] For beauty's pattern to succeeding men.
[13] Yet, do thy worst, old Time: despite thy wrong,
[14] My love shall in my verse ever live young.
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